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expired Posted by dailydealsforme • Jan 24, 2019
expired Posted by dailydealsforme • Jan 24, 2019

T-Mobile TM-AC1900 WiFi CellSpot Router (Certified Pre-Owned)

+ Free S/H

$40

$109

63% off
T-Mobile
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T-Mobile.com has T-Mobile TM-AC1900 WiFi CellSpot Router (Certified Pre-Owned) on sale for $49.99 - Extra $10 off w/ promo code CPOROUT (apply in cart) = $39.99. Shipping is free. Thanks dailydealsforme

Note, be sure to select the "No credit check" option before adding item to cart.

Includes
  • T-Mobile TM-AC1900 WiFi CellSpot Router
  • 3x External Dual-Band Detachable Antennas
  • Power Adapter
  • RJ-45 Cable

Editor's Notes

Written by Discombobulated | Staff
Be sure to apply your promo code while in cart to receive discount. Offer valid for online p purchase only - Discombobulated

Original Post

Written by dailydealsforme
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Update: If item appears to show out of stock, you may try another web browser or try again later.

T-Mobile.com has T-Mobile TM-AC1900 WiFi CellSpot Router (Certified Pre-Owned) on sale for $49.99 - Extra $10 off w/ promo code CPOROUT (apply in cart) = $39.99. Shipping is free. Thanks dailydealsforme

Note, be sure to select the "No credit check" option before adding item to cart.

Includes
  • T-Mobile TM-AC1900 WiFi CellSpot Router
  • 3x External Dual-Band Detachable Antennas
  • Power Adapter
  • RJ-45 Cable

Editor's Notes

Written by Discombobulated | Staff
Be sure to apply your promo code while in cart to receive discount. Offer valid for online p purchase only - Discombobulated

Original Post

Written by dailydealsforme

Community Voting

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+155
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Top Comments

If I had to write a full up-to-date guide, it would be this:
(Up to date as of 5/2/19 with suggestions in this and later threads)
How to flash TM-AC1900 to RT-AC68U:

Install WinSCP, Putty, and a file archiver (click this link to download all 3 [ninite.com]). Install the Asus Restore Utility [asus.com], mirror [filedropper.com].
Connect your computer to the *yellow* port on the router by way of an Ethernet (LAN) cable
Check if SSH can be enabled - if so, enable it and jump to step #15
Go to Administration > System > Enable SSH > Yes > Apply
Ezlink: http://192.168.29.1/Advanced_System_Content.asp
Create a folder on your desktop, name it "router".
Download this file [mega.nz] and extract it to the newly made router folder. It contains a firmware to downgrade to, a firmware to upgrade to, and mtd-write.
Download firmware version 3.0.0.4.384.20308 from here [softpedia.com] and unzip the file
Disconnect the cellspot router from the internet if you haven't already
Set static IP for PC.
start > run > ncpa.cpl > double click Ethernet > properties > IPV4 >
IP: 192.168.29.5
Subnet: Default (255.255.255.0)
Gateway: 192.168.29.1
Place router into Recovery/Restore mode
a. Hold reset button 10 seconds
b. Power off router (keep holding reset)
c. Wait 10 seconds, keep holding reset
d. Power on router holding reset for 10 more seconds
Go to 192.168.29.1 in a web browser - you should see ASUSTek CFE miniWeb Server
If Mini-CFE webpage won't load, try Chrome Incognito mode, else use Asus Restore Utility (linked in #1)
If having trouble with this step perform NVRAM Reset (see #24) and try #9 again
Flash TM-AC1900_3.0.0.4_376_1703-g0ffdbba.trx from the "router" folder you created (hit the choose button, select the file, hit upload)
Wait for reboot at least 5 mins – WiFi lights on router will turn on when boot is complete
Log in to router (admin:password)
Go to Administration > System > Enable SSH > Yes > Apply
Ezlink: http://192.168.29.1/Advanced_System_Content.asp
Open Putty and WinSCP and connect them to 192.168.29.1 using a admin:admin or admin:password
Tip: In WinSCP select SCP as file protocol, in Putty SSH
In Putty type:
cat /dev/mtd0 > original_cfe.bin
In WinSCP refresh the window on the right side and note that original_cfe.bin is present
Copy original_cfe.bin to a local drive
Download the new .bin
a. Upload original_cfe.bin to http://cfeditor.pipeline.sh/
b. Select 1.0.2.0 US AiMesh as Source CFE for Asus/Merlin builds, (1.0.2.5 recommended for DD-WRT or Tomato)
c. Click Download
Rename the new .bin file to "new_cfe.bin"
Through WinSCP, Upload new_cfe.bin & mtd-write & FW_RT_AC68U_30043763626.trx to router
In Putty type:
chmod u+x mtd-write
./mtd-write new_cfe.bin boot
mtd-write2 FW_RT_AC68U_30043763626.trx linux
Wait until the CRC OK message comes up
Perform NVRAM Reset
a. Power off router
b. Wait 10 seconds
c. Press and hold WPS button
d. Power up the router and continue to hold WPS button for 15-20 seconds until power LED starts blinking very quickly.
e. wait 5 minutes
Reset PC IP back to default
Log in to router using 192.168.1.1 and the router is now an RT-AC68U with 64MB jffs
username:/password is now: admin:admin
If router isn't showing RT-AC68U, try Chrome Incognito Mode
Enable SSH (see #14) Ezlink: http://192.168.1.1/Advanced_System_Content.asp
Reconnect Putty (see #15)
In Putty, execute the code for fixing MTD5 partition.
cat /dev/mtd5 > /jffs/mtd5_backup.bin
mkdir /tmp/asus_jffs
mount -t jffs2 /dev/mtdblock5 /tmp/asus_jffs
rm -rf /tmp/asus_jffs/*
sync && umount /tmp/asus_jffs
ln -s /sbin/rc mtd-erase
In the router page, go to Administration > Firmware and upload RT-AC68U_3.0.0.4_384_20308-gead790e.trx
This is the file you downloaded in step #6
Perform NVRAM Reset (see #24)
Enable SSH (see #14) Ezlink: http://192.168.1.1/Advanced_System_Content.asp
When going back into the router at this point, it may prompt you to update the username/password, not allowing you to go directly to enable ssh
Make sure you don't forget what you change the username/password to
Reconnect Putty (see #15)
In Putty, execute the code for fixing MTD5 partition.
mkdir /tmp/asus_jffs
mount -t jffs2 /dev/mtdblock5 /tmp/asus_jffs
rm -rf /tmp/asus_jffs/*
sync && umount /tmp/asus_jffs
ln -s /sbin/rc mtd-erase
./mtd-erase -d asus
rm -rf /jffs/.sys/RT-AC68U
nvram unset fw_check && nvram commit && reboot
You now can (and should) flash an updated firmware, such as Asus, Merlin, Advanced Tomato, Tomato, and DD-WRT firmwares.
To flash newer Asus firmwares at this point, go to the router page, go to Administration > Firmware and upload the latest firmware from this page [asus.com].
At this point, for security purposes I'd recommend to either disable SSH or change it to 'LAN only". Also, definitely change both the default login id and password.


Additional Notes:

Yes, step 34 is partially redundant, but this is the way I did it twice and it caused no issues.
If you complete all the steps successfully, but you plug in the router to your network and there is no internet, your cable/fiber modem may coincidentally be on the same default IP as the router is. To fix this, go to the router webUI and on the status page you'll see an error stating an IP conflict which you can click so the router will change itself to a different IP
if you want to set up AiMesh, follow these steps


Feel free to message me if you get stuck, I may not respond immediately but I will try to help
No, it is something Tmobile would issue to customers who had bad reception in their home. This doesn't broadcast mobile wireless signal, just regular wifi. Since TMobile uses wifi calling the idea is stronger wifi in your house will alleviate their weak network.

It does not connect to the Tmobile network, and does not require Tmobile service. It will not give you internet if you don't have an ISP. It is just a regular modem, but branded.
Seems you're mixing your metaphors. You "pulled the trigger", not the plug. And you have to jump through hoops, not over them. You jump over hurdles.

Good luck with the conversion - it's not easy but it isn't rocket surgery! (Didya see what I did there?)

873 Comments

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Jan 30, 2019
250 Posts
Joined Apr 2005
Jan 30, 2019
Magus
Jan 30, 2019
250 Posts
Anyone have personal experience comparing AiMesh vs Orbi?
Jan 30, 2019
1,187 Posts
Joined Nov 2011
Jan 30, 2019
Zwitterion
Jan 30, 2019
1,187 Posts
Quote from Hawbgobblin :
Don't forget, check the spam junk folders..
They are still available to buy so doubt they ran out of stock.
(which I am surprised )


Very welcome!
Checked. They've definitely ganked my second order. Only see one charge on my CC, and no communication about the second order. So my father bought one. Let's hope that goes through!
Jan 30, 2019
1,187 Posts
Joined Nov 2011
Jan 30, 2019
Zwitterion
Jan 30, 2019
1,187 Posts
Quote from Siwy12 :
snagged one - but is this really that good of a price for a pre-owned? they seem to be going on ebay for around the same amt...
They go on about for about $20 more. I'm betting some folks are trying to flip these.
Jan 30, 2019
1,187 Posts
Joined Nov 2011
Jan 30, 2019
Zwitterion
Jan 30, 2019
1,187 Posts
Quote from MugenRD1 :
When I placed the order they said they might call you within an hour, but it does state that you can also call them to confirm the order.
Good thinking. I called, and they said that there was a short down time right at the time I ordered, and several orders didn't get properly processed. She confirmed that my father's order went through fine.

So for any of you out there waiting more than 5 -10 minutes on an order confirmation, I'd call to make sure it isn't one that fell through the cracks during the downtime(s).
Jan 30, 2019
2,631 Posts
Joined Nov 2004
Jan 30, 2019
Siwy12
Jan 30, 2019
2,631 Posts
Quote from Zwitterion :
They go on about for about $20 more. I'm betting some folks are trying to flip these.
after ebay/paypal fees + shipping I don't see how there is any money to be made on these...
Jan 30, 2019
1,187 Posts
Joined Nov 2011
Jan 30, 2019
Zwitterion
Jan 30, 2019
1,187 Posts
Quote from Siwy12 :
after ebay/paypal fees + shipping I don't see how there is any money to be made on these...
Agreed, but some folks are foolishly trying to sell at $70, $80 or even more. Take a look!
Jan 30, 2019
1,655 Posts
Joined Sep 2018
Jan 30, 2019
User17347427
Jan 30, 2019
1,655 Posts
[quote]
Quote from Zwitterion :
Good thinking. I called, and they said that there was a short down time right at the time I ordered, and several orders didn't get properly processed. She confirmed that my father's order went through fine.

So for any of you out there waiting more than 5 -10 minutes on an order confirmation, I'd call to make sure it isn't one that fell through the cracks during the downtime(s).
Quote from Zwitterion :
They go on about for about $20 more. I'm betting some folks are trying to flip these.

Great news about your fathers order. I think 5-10 minutes would be to soon to think your order didn't go through. I think it took longer then that on my one order.
I remember not even being charged on another one until it arrived Ha ha

HOW DARE SLICKDEALERS FLIP THESE
Swordfight
Last edited by User17347427 January 30, 2019 at 08:22 AM.

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Jan 30, 2019
1,570 Posts
Joined Oct 2009
Jan 30, 2019
ST1NGY
Jan 30, 2019
1,570 Posts
Quote from Zwitterion :
What is the importance of this bin file? I have it kept safe, but never plan on restoring back to a T-Mo router.
The only purpose is to not burn your bridges if you ever need to, or are forced to, go back to TMo firmware. It is very unlikely that it will be necessary.
The partition /dev/mtd5 (also named the "asus" partition) originally had one file named:
tmo-xxxxxxxxxxxx.tgz where xxxxxxxxxxxx is the MAC address of the router.
A tgz file is a TAR Archive file that has been compressed using Gnu Zip (gzip).
Inside this archive are 3 files which are certificates and keys generated specifically for that MAC. Since this archive seems to only exist on TMobile routers, my best guest is it has something to do with licensing installed software.

So, it isn't really known what would happen if you went back to TMo firmware without the certificates. Maybe nothing bad (other than being on TMo firmware Mad). However, if you have the backup of mtd5, you can restore it by copying the backup to the router (if it isn't already there) and running the linux command (assumes your backup file is named mtd5_backup.bin and in the current directory):
dd if=mtd5_backup.bin of=/dev/mtd5 bs=4K conv=noerror,sync
Last edited by ST1NGY January 30, 2019 at 08:32 AM.
Jan 30, 2019
1,655 Posts
Joined Sep 2018
Jan 30, 2019
User17347427
Jan 30, 2019
1,655 Posts
Quote from ST1NGY :
The only purpose is to not burn your bridges if you ever need to, or are forced to, go back to TMo firmware. It is very unlikely that it will be necessary.
The partition /dev/mtd5 (also named the "asus" partition) originally had one file named:
tmo-xxxxxxxxxxxx.tgz where xxxxxxxxxxxx is the MAC address of the router.
A tgz file is a TAR Archive file that has been compressed using Gnu Zip (gzip).
Inside this archive are 3 files which are certificates and keys generated specifically for that MAC. Since this archive seems to only exist on TMobile routers, my best guest is it has something to do with licensing installed software.

So, it isn't really known what would happen if you went back to TMo firmware. Maybe nothing bad (other than being on TMo firmware ). However, if you have the backup of mtd5, you can restore it by copying the backup to the router (if it isn't already there) and running the linux command (assumes your backup file is named mtd5_backup.bin and in the current directory):dd if=mtd5_backup.bin of=/dev/mtd5 bs=4K conv=noerror,sync
Must be a Canadian word 'gnu'


I'm confused between
tmo-xxxxxxxxxxxx.tgz
and
mtd5_backup.bin

Is 'tmo-xxxxxxxxxxxx.tgz' renamed to 'mtd5_backup.bin'?

EDIT:
ACK! you haven't replied. I never understood the backup part. ;(
Last edited by User17347427 January 30, 2019 at 09:05 AM.
Jan 30, 2019
2,312 Posts
Joined Sep 2006
Jan 30, 2019
hpark21
Jan 30, 2019
2,312 Posts
Hmm.. Still no sign of my last order shipping.
Jan 30, 2019
1,570 Posts
Joined Oct 2009
Jan 30, 2019
ST1NGY
Jan 30, 2019
1,570 Posts
Quote from Hawbgobblin :
Must be a Canadian word 'gnu'
What is GNU? [gnu.org]
Jan 30, 2019
1,655 Posts
Joined Sep 2018
Jan 30, 2019
User17347427
Jan 30, 2019
1,655 Posts
Quote from ST1NGY :
What is GNU? [gnu.org]
Thanks!
Jan 30, 2019
1,655 Posts
Joined Sep 2018
Jan 30, 2019
User17347427
Jan 30, 2019
1,655 Posts
Quote from hpark21 :
Hmm.. Still no sign of my last order shipping.
What I want to do, is have everyone give there 2 cents on what happens, when it happened. I want to get it in the Wiki.

Quote :
Ordering experience:

After checkout, "order is being processed and they'll contact you within 1 hour if any issues."
Then: Got this email a few moments after (Check spam email):

"Your order was successfully submitted. There are a few steps before we can complete your order.

FOLLOW-UP CALL
Just as a heads up, you may get a call from us within 24 hours in order to confirm your order. If we don't give you a call, keep an eye out for your confirmation email!

ORDER CONFIRMATION
Once we wrap up processing your order (which should only be a little bit longer) we will be sending a confirmation email your way.

NEXT STEPS
We're processing your order right now. Once we wrap that up, we'll be sending you a confirmation email."
What Email first, when.
What email second, when.
Jan 30, 2019
84 Posts
Joined Apr 2015
Jan 30, 2019
thelma20133
Jan 30, 2019
84 Posts
Quote from Hawbgobblin :
Incognito mode? Clear Cache on your browser.
Ship it to your local post office for General Delivery?
Find a UPS near you and have it sent there for pick up only.
Use Microsoft edge, Same setting as previous OOS order but it is available.
I try put my company address as shipping address but it still yellow my billing address. I will try it today again
. Well, OOS again. I guess it isn't related to browser's mode.
Last edited by thelma20133 January 30, 2019 at 09:21 AM.

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Jan 30, 2019
1,655 Posts
Joined Sep 2018
Jan 30, 2019
User17347427
Jan 30, 2019
1,655 Posts
Quote from thelma20133 :
Use Microsoft edge, Same setting as previous OOS order but it is available.
I try put my company address as shipping address but it still yellow my billing address. I will try it today again
. Well, OOS again. I guess it isn't related to browser's mode.
If you are going to try again, I would do it NOW cause this will be out of stock soon.

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